Juice dispensing system

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to beverage dispenser and more particularly relates to a juice dispenser or a beverage dispenser capable of dispensing a number of different beverage alternatives.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,370 concerns a “Tri-Mix Sugar Based Dispensing System.” This patent describes a beverage dispensing system that separates the highly concentrated flavoring from the sweetener and the diluent. This separation allows for the creation of numerous beverage options using several flavor modules and one universal sweetener. One of the objectives of the patent is to allow a beverage dispenser to provide as many beverages as may be available on the market in prepackaged bottles or cans. U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,370 is incorporated herein by reference.

These separation techniques, however, generally have not been applied to juice dispensers. Rather, juice dispensers typically have a one-one correspondence between the juice concentrate stored in the dispenser and the products dispensed therefrom. As such, consumers generally can only choose from a small number of products given the necessity of significant storage space for the concentrate. A conventional juice dispenser thus requires a large footprint in order to offer a wide range of different products.

Another issue with known juice dispensers is that the last mouthful of juice in the cup may not be properly mixed such that a large slug of undiluted concentrate may remain. This problem may be caused by insufficient agitation of the viscous juice concentrate. The result often is an unpleasant taste and an unsatisfactory beverage.

Thus, there is a desire for an improved beverage dispenser system that can accommodate a wide range of different beverages. Preferably, the beverage dispenser can offer a wide range of juice-based products within a reasonable footprint. Further, the products offered by the beverage dispenser should be properly mixed throughout the beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application thus describes a product mixing device. The product mixing device may include an ingredient combination chamber and means for agitation positioned about the ingredient combination chamber. The ingredient combination chamber may include a diluent inlet, a number of macro-ingredient inlets, a number of micro-ingredient inlets, and an outlet.

The product mixing device further may include a number of macro-ingredient sources with reconstitution ratios in the range of about three to one (3:1) to about six to one (6:1) and a number of micro-ingredient sources with reconstitution ratios in the range of about ten to one (10:1) or higher. The product mixing device further may include a number of pumping or metering devices in communication with the water inlet, the macro-ingredient inlets, and the micro-ingredient inlets. The water inlet, the macro-ingredient inlets, and the micro-ingredient inlets may include a check valve therein. A number of ingredient combination chambers may be used.

The means for agitation may include a static mixer, an orifice positioned in the outlet, an impingement surface positioned about the orifice, a motorized agitator, or a passive mechanical agitator. The motorized agitator may include a propeller driven by a motor. The passive mechanical agitator may include a propeller positioned about a narrow chamber entrance.

The product mixing device further may include a flush diverter positioned downstream of the agitator. The flush diverter may include a pivoting flow diverter or a linear diverter positioned about a drain. The linear diverter may include a drawer operated by a solenoid.

The product mixing device further may include a user interface. The user interface may include a number of product selections a number of product use indicators to indicate that a product has been selected, a number of additive selections, a number of portion selections, a number of intensity selections, and a consumer data system. The consumer data system may include a communications device. The consumer data system may include a biometric sensor.

The present application further describes a method of preparing a product. The method may include the steps of selecting one or more base products, selecting one or more additives, dispensing the one or more base products and the one or more additives into a chamber, dynamically agitating the one or more base products and the one or more additives to create the product, and dispensing the product. The method further may include selecting the intensity of the base products or the additives. The method further may include receiving consumer information prior to the selecting steps.

The present application further describes a product dispenser. The product dispenser may include at least one macro-ingredient source, at least one micro-ingredient source, a diluent source, and an ingredient chamber; a number of pumps or metering devices positioned between the macro-ingredient source, the micro-ingredient source, the diluent source, and the ingredient chamber; and a user interface for receiving a request for a product type and instructing the pumps or metering devices to dispense a predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and diluent to the ingredient chamber for a predetermined flow rate.

The product dispenser further may include means for flushing the ingredient chamber. The product dispenser further may include means for agitation positioned downstream of the ingredient chamber.

The user interface may include a number of product selections, a number of additive selections, and a number of intensity selections. The user interface dispenses the predetermined type and ratio of macro-ingredients, micro-ingredients, and water to the ingredient chamber for the predetermined flow rate. The product dispenser further may include a consumer data system.

These and other features of the present application will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic view of a beverage dispenser as is described herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of the beverage dispenser as described herein.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a further side cross-sectional view of the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a further side cross-sectional view of the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a further side cross-sectional view of the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of an orifice and an impingement surface for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of an agitation chamber for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a further side cross-sectional view of the agitation chamber of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative agitation chamber for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a further side cross-sectional view of the agitation chamber of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of a flush diverter for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a side cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the flush diverter for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a further side cross-sectional view of the flush diverter of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a schematic view of a user interface for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is a schematic view of an alternative user interface for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a schematic view of an alternative user interface for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is a schematic view of an alternative user interface for use with the beverage dispenser of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a beverage dispenser <b>100</b> as is described herein. Generally described, the beverage dispenser <b>100</b> includes an ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b>. The ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> functions as a manifold with numerous inlets and one outlet such that any number of ingredients can be combined into one stream. An agitator <b>120</b> may be positioned downstream of the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b>. The agitator <b>120</b> thoroughly mixes the ingredients. Downstream of the agitator <b>120</b> via an exit tube <b>125</b> may be a flush diverter <b>130</b> in communication with a drain <b>140</b>. The exit tube <b>125</b> also may include any type of dispensing equipment and may be referred to as the dispenser head.

A user interface <b>150</b> controls all functional aspects of the beverage dispenser <b>100</b>. The consumer may select and/or create numerous types of beverages and blends using the user interface <b>150</b>, A conventional control device <b>160</b> may support the user interface <b>150</b>. The control device <b>160</b> may be a conventional microcomputer or a similar type of device. The control device <b>160</b> may be internal to or remote from the beverage dispenser <b>100</b>.

The beverage dispenser <b>100</b> may use any number of different ingredients. In this example, several different types of ingredients may be used: water <b>170</b> from a water source (plain or carbonated), macro-ingredients <b>180</b> from a number of macro-ingredient sources, and micro-ingredients <b>190</b> from a number of micro-ingredient sources. Generally described, the macro-ingredients <b>180</b> have reconstitution ratios in the range of about three to one (3:1) to about six to one (6:1). Macro-ingredients <b>180</b> may include juice concentrates, sugar syrup, HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) syrup, or similar types of materials. Similarly, a macro-ingredient base product may include sweetener, acid, and other common components. The juice concentrates generally require refrigeration. The sugar, HFCS, or base products syrup can be stored in a conventional bag in box container remote from the dispenser <b>100</b>. The viscosities of the macro-ingredients <b>180</b> typically range about 100 centipoise or higher.

The micro-ingredients <b>190</b> may have a reconstitution ratio ranging of about ten to one (10:1), twenty to one (20:1), thirty to one (30:1), or higher. The viscosities of the micro-ingredients <b>190</b> would typically range from about 1 to about 100 centipoise or so, but may vary from this range. Examples of micro-ingredients <b>190</b> include natural or artificial flavors; flavor additives; natural or artificial colors; sweeteners (synthetic or natural, high potency or otherwise); additives for controlling tartness, e.g., citric acid or potassium citrate; functional additives such as vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts; nutraceuticals; and over the counter (or otherwise) medicines such as Acetaminophen; and similar types of materials. Various types of alcohols may be used as micro or macro-ingredients. The micro-ingredients <b>190</b> may be in liquid, powder (solid), or gaseous form and/or combinations thereof. The micro-ingredients <b>190</b> may or may not require refrigeration. Non-beverage substances such as paints, dyes, oils, cosmetics, etc., also may be used. Any type of conventional container may be used for the ingredients <b>180</b>, <b>190</b>.

The water <b>170</b>, the macro-ingredients <b>180</b>, and the micro-ingredients <b>190</b> may be in communication with the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> via a number of pumping and/or metering devices <b>200</b>. One pump/metering device <b>200</b> might handle one ingredient or multiple ingredients. The pump/metering devices <b>200</b> for the macro-ingredients <b>180</b> may be of conventional design. The pump/metering devices <b>200</b> for the micro-ingredients <b>190</b> may be positive displacement pumps or similar types of devices so as to provide accurate amounts of relatively small doses of the micro-ingredients <b>190</b>. A water refrigeration system <b>205</b> also may be used if desired.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-5</figref> show an example of an ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b>. The ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> may be made out of injection molded plastic or similar types of noncorrosive materials. As is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> may have several types of inlets: a water inlet <b>210</b>; a number of macro-ingredient inlets <b>220</b>; and a number of micro-ingredient inlets <b>230</b>. The inlets <b>210</b>, <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> may be standard barbed fittings or similar types of connection devices. The water inlet <b>210</b> may include a standard check valve <b>215</b> therein. Likewise, the macro-ingredient inlets <b>220</b> and the micro-ingredient inlets <b>230</b> may include an internal duckbill check valves <b>235</b> or similar types of backflow prevention devices. The inlets <b>210</b>, <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> may be removable. The macro-ingredient inlets <b>220</b> are shown to be larger than the micro-ingredient inlets <b>230</b>, but any convenient size may be used. Likewise, although four (4) macro-ingredient inlets <b>220</b> and four (4) micro-ingredient inlets <b>230</b> are shown, any number of inlets <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> may be used.

As is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, multiple ingredient combination chambers <b>110</b> may be stacked together with a sealing layer <b>240</b> there between. The sealing layer <b>240</b> may be made out of ethylene propylene dimonomer (EPDM) rubber, polyurethane, or similar types of materials. Any number of ingredient combination chambers <b>110</b> may be used together so as to provide for any number of ingredients <b>180</b>, <b>190</b> in any combination. Other configurations may be used herein.

In this embodiment, the inlets <b>210</b>, <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> may lead to a central chamber <b>250</b>. The central chamber <b>250</b> may be shaped as a vertical tube. The inlets <b>220</b>, <b>230</b> are arranged so as to maximize the density of the inlets along the length of the central chamber <b>250</b> without restricting the flow through the chamber <b>250</b>. The central chamber <b>250</b> preferably should have no impediments therein that may trap pulp or pockets of ingredients. The central chamber <b>250</b> leads to a single outlet <b>255</b> at the bottom end or the low point of the chamber <b>250</b>. Other variations of the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> may be used herein.

The outlet <b>255</b> may lead to the agitator <b>120</b>. In this embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the agitator <b>120</b> may take the form of a static mixer <b>260</b>. The static mixer <b>260</b> may be a vertical tube with a number of internal baffles or other structures. The static mixer <b>260</b> splits the incoming liquid flow and creates a vortex. The vortex is then sheared and reoccurs in the opposite direction thus thoroughly mixing the liquid with a clockwise/counterclockwise motion. An example of a static mixer is sold by Cole-Parmer Instrument Company of Vernon Hills, Ill. In sum, the water <b>170</b> and the ingredients <b>180</b>, <b>190</b> flow through the inlets <b>210</b>, <b>220</b>, <b>230</b>, mix within the central chamber <b>250</b>, further mix in the static mixer <b>260</b>, and then are dispensed into a consumer's cup <b>270</b>.

The ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> further may include a vent port <b>275</b>. The vent port <b>275</b> may include an internal valve. The valve may be operated by a solenoid or similar type of device. The vent port <b>275</b> may be positioned about the highest point of the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> so as to ensure that liquid does not exit therethrough. After a dispense or a flush cycle, the central chamber <b>250</b> may remain full of liquid. The vent port <b>275</b> thus may actuate so as to break the vacuum supporting the liquid and allowing the liquid to drain.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows two alternatives of the agitator <b>120</b>. Instead of the static mixer <b>260</b>, the agitator <b>120</b> may simply include an orifice <b>290</b> positioned within the outlet <b>255</b> of the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b>. The orifice <b>290</b> forces the outgoing fluid stream to leave at a high velocity such that mixing is accomplished within the consumer's cup <b>270</b> due to the turbulence caused by the energy of the outgoing fluid stream.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> also shows the use of an impingement surface <b>300</b>. The impingement surface <b>300</b> may take any convenient shape and may be located directly under the orifice <b>290</b>. As the outgoing fluid stream exits the orifice <b>290</b> at high velocity and hits the impingement surface <b>300</b>, turbulence is created such that the fluid stream begins to mix. The thoroughly mixed fluid thus exits via the bottom of the tube <b>125</b> and enter the consumer's cup <b>270</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref> show a further dynamic embodiment of the agitator <b>120</b>, a motorized agitator <b>310</b>. The motorized agitator <b>310</b> includes a propeller-like agitator <b>320</b> driven by a motor <b>330</b>. The motor <b>330</b> may be a conventional DC motor or a similar type of device. The propeller agitator <b>320</b> may be positioned within an agitation chamber <b>340</b>. The agitation chamber <b>340</b> is positioned along the exit tube <b>125</b>. The propeller agitator <b>320</b> is designed such that it does not catch pulp and such that cleaning solution can contact all surfaces of the propeller agitator <b>320</b> and the agitation chamber <b>340</b>. The agitation chamber <b>340</b> is designed such that Juice drains from the lowest point of the chamber <b>340</b>. The juice or other fluid stream is mixed thoroughly by the agitator propeller <b>320</b>. The agitator propeller <b>320</b> may operate at about 600 to about 1200 revolutions per minute. (Depending upon the nature of the beverage, the propeller <b>320</b> may be operated at a reduced speed or not operated at all so to minimize, for example, carbonation breakout.) The thoroughly mixed fluid thus exits via the bottom of the tube <b>125</b> and enter the consumer's cup <b>270</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 and 11</figref> show a further embodiment of the agitator <b>120</b>, a passive mechanical agitator <b>350</b>. The passive mechanical agitator <b>350</b> includes a propeller agitator <b>360</b> positioned within an agitator chamber <b>370</b>. The propeller <b>360</b> may be positioned within the chamber <b>370</b> via a shaft <b>380</b>. The outlet tube <b>125</b> may narrow upon approach to the chamber <b>370</b> so as to increase the speed of the fluid stream therein. The fluid stream enters the chamber <b>370</b> and hits the propeller agitator <b>360</b> in a tangential direction so as to turn the propeller agitator <b>360</b>. This agitation adds kinetic energy that thoroughly mixes the fluid stream. The thoroughly mixed fluid thus exits via the bottom of the tube <b>125</b> and enter the consumer's cup <b>270</b>. Other variations on the agitator <b>120</b> may be used herein. For example, gas or liquid stream agitation also may be used herein.

Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, an example of the flush diverter <b>130</b> is shown in the dispense position. When the flush diverter <b>130</b> is in the “dispense” position, the ingredients are routed directly therethrough. Between dispenses, the flush diverter <b>130</b> may be moved to a “flush” position such that a water flush may be used to cleanout thoroughly the ingredients from the previous dispense.

The flush diverter <b>130</b> may include a flow diverter <b>390</b>. The flow diverter <b>390</b> may be operated by a solenoid or a similar type of device. The flow diverter <b>390</b> is positioned about a pivot <b>400</b>. The solenoid thus pivots the flow diverter <b>390</b> from the dispense position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> to a flush position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref>. In the flush position, the Row diverter <b>390</b> directs the fluid stream to the flush drain <b>140</b>. The flow diverter <b>390</b> may be positioned behind a decorative nozzle facade <b>410</b> such that the consumers do not see the water flush.

A further embodiment of the flush diverter <b>130</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref>, a drawer diverter <b>420</b>. The drawer diverter <b>420</b> includes a flush drawer <b>430</b> positioned about the outlet tube <b>125</b> and the drain <b>140</b>. The flush drawer <b>430</b> also may be operated by a solenoid <b>440</b>. The flush drawer <b>430</b> includes a dispense position and a flush position. Specifically, the first end of the drawer <b>430</b> has an open bottom <b>450</b>. The second end of the drawer <b>430</b> has a slightly slopping bottom that extends to a drain opening <b>460</b>. When the solenoid <b>440</b> is de-energized, the first end of the drawer <b>430</b> with the open bottom <b>450</b> is directly below the outlet tube <b>125</b> so as to allow the fluid stream to flow into the consumer's cup <b>270</b>. When the solenoid <b>440</b> is energized, it moves the drawer <b>430</b> to the second position with the drain opening <b>460</b>. The fluid stream thus falls into the drain opening <b>460</b> and the drain <b>140</b>.

A further embodiment of the flush diverter <b>130</b> is a conventional three-way solenoid diverter valve. An example of such a valve is available from Valcor Engineering Corp. of Springfield, N.J. Other variations on the flush diverter <b>130</b> may be used herein. The flush diverter <b>130</b> may have a clog detection system.

The viscosity of the fluid streams herein can range from about one (1) to about 5000 centipoise or higher. Even if the beverage dispenser system <b>100</b> as a whole drains thoroughly, there still may be some ingredients that cling to the interior of the beverage dispenser <b>100</b> by virtue of surface tension. These ingredients could remain into the next drink creating an off taste, off color, or trace amounts of non-requested additives in the next drink. The flush diverter <b>130</b> thus may be activated after each beverage.

Alternatively or in addition, the flush diverter <b>130</b> could be used before each beverage. Use of the flush diverter <b>130</b> may be based upon the ingredients within the beverage. The flush diverter <b>130</b> also may be used for end of the day or periodic cleaning with the use of a sanitation solution.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> shows an embodiment of the computer user interface <b>150</b>, an interface <b>470</b>. The interface <b>470</b> includes a set of predefined product buttons <b>480</b>. Each button <b>480</b> may represent a different base product or product component. Each button <b>480</b> may have a use indicator <b>490</b>. The use indicator <b>490</b> will signal to the consumer that a certain ingredient has been selected. As more ingredients are selected, the percentages of each are adjusted appropriately to achieve a predefined blend. As a result, a consumer may select a single base blended product like orange juice, a dual based product that may include parts of orange juice and lemonade, or a quad based product that would include four parts such as orange, lemonade, grape, and fruit punch. Any number of combinations may be used herein. A pour button <b>500</b> also may be used so as to activate the beverage dispenser <b>100</b> for the selected beverage.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> shows a further embodiment of the computer user interface <b>150</b>, an interface <b>510</b>. Similar to the interface <b>470</b>, the interface <b>510</b> has the products buttons <b>480</b> and the use indicators <b>490</b>. The interface <b>510</b> further includes additive buttons <b>520</b> and portion buttons <b>530</b>. In addition to the predefined beverage blends described above, the additive buttons <b>520</b> provide the addition of additives such as vitamins and the like. Typically, the additives will not be added until about eighty percent (80%) of the minimum drink size is poured so as to guarantee that there is no overdose affect if the drink is stopped prematurely. Additives generally would not be added for top offs as the known drink size is not guaranteed. In the event that the user presses the pour cancel button, the additives would not be dispensed. The use indicator <b>490</b> may flash whenever the additive is being provided. The user interface <b>510</b> thus gives visible feedback to the consumer. The portion buttons <b>480</b> may be conventional “small”, “medium”, “large”, “extra-large”, and the like that correspond to predeterminne beverage sizes.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> shows a further embodiment of the computer user interface <b>150</b>, an interface <b>540</b>. In addition to the product buttons <b>480</b>, the interface <b>540</b> may include intensity indicators <b>550</b>. The intensity indicator <b>550</b> may include LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) or similar types of visual interfaces that show the relative strength of the beverage. For example, if one beverage is selected, the intensity indicator <b>550</b> would be fully illuminated to indicate 100%. If a second base is selected, the intensity indicator <b>550</b> would be one-half illuminated to indicate a fifty percent (50%) portion. If the second strength is increased the first strength must be decreased. The entire interface <b>550</b> always shows a 100% strength summation. The relative strengths may be adjusted to any desired extent such as 50/50, 40/60, 30/70, etc. A custom blended beverage thus may be produced. The intensity indicator <b>550</b> also may be used to vary the amount of additives or even the nature and amount of the concentrate, sweetener, or other types of ingredients <b>180</b>, <b>190</b>.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> shows a further embodiment of the computer user interface <b>150</b>, an interface <b>560</b>. The interface <b>560</b> combines the embodiments described above such as the product buttons <b>480</b>, the use indicator <b>490</b>, the additive buttons <b>520</b>, the pour button <b>500</b>, the portion buttons <b>530</b>, and the intensity indicators <b>550</b>. Other types of indicators may be used herein.

In addition to the interfaces described above, additional graphical interfaces may be provided. For example, nutritional information may be provided. Whenever a portion button <b>530</b> or an intensity button <b>550</b> is selected, nutritional information that reflects the characteristics of the selected drink may be displayed. For example, the amount of calories in a beverage as mixed by the consumer may be displayed. The consumer may then have the option to change the nutritional value of the desired beverage. The computer user interface <b>150</b> also may restrict and/or allow which and how much of various ingredients may be used.

The computer user interface <b>150</b> may provide an individual consumer with secure access by password, smart card, biometric identification, credit card, RID, or otherwise. The user interface <b>150</b> may provide the consumer with formulations previously selected, promotions, and other types of information. The user interface <b>150</b> may restrict and/or allow which and how much of various ingredients may be used by a consumer. Consumer preferences also may be retained and used for new product development.

In addition to the graphical interface, the beverage dispenser <b>100</b> as a whole may supply dispenser statistics and trouble shooting information. For example, the delay times for the start of the pump/metering devices <b>200</b>, the times for the vent and flush cycles, the portion cycles, etc. may be accessed through the computer user interface <b>150</b>. This interface <b>150</b> also may be password or otherwise protected. The user interface <b>150</b> may communicate and/or be accessed as needed with a network or other source for troubleshooting or repair and for notifications or alerts, for example, of a potential incorrect dose of ingredients.

In use, the consumer may select the desired beverage from the computer user interface <b>150</b>. The beverage dispenser <b>100</b> thus provides the consumer with the ability to create and blend numerous types of beverages as desired. The consumer can alter the ingredients as well as the intensity of the beverage to taste. As such, the consumer can submit an entire “recipe” for a beverage. The interface <b>150</b>, via the control <b>160</b>, thus instructs the individual pumps or meters <b>200</b> for the water source <b>170</b> and the appropriate macro-ingredients <b>180</b> and micro-ingredients <b>190</b> so as to dispense the appropriate ingredients in the appropriate proportions into the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b>. The ingredients pass through the chamber <b>110</b> and into the agitator <b>120</b> for mixing. The mixed beverage then flows into the consumer's cup <b>270</b>. The flush diverter <b>130</b> then may be activated so as to provide a flow of water from the water source <b>170</b> through the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> and the agitator <b>120</b> for a given flow rate. Other fluids that may wet and clean also may be used. Different flow rates and flow timing may be employed, e.g., certain fluid streams may be added early or late, certain fluid streams may be pulsed, etc.

The use of the individual pumps or meters <b>200</b> for the water source <b>170</b> and the appropriate macro-ingredients <b>180</b> and micro-ingredients <b>190</b> thus provides the ability to dispense the appropriate ingredients in the appropriate proportions for a given flow rate during a continuous pour. In other words, as opposed to a conventional batch operation where a predetermined amount of ingredients are combined, the beverage dispenser <b>100</b> provides continuous mixing and flow in the correct ratios for a pour of any volume. The beverage dispenser <b>100</b> thus has applicability to conventional counter-top devices, vending devices, and various types of bottling or filing devices. Although the invention is described in terms of the beverage dispenser <b>100</b>, the invention is applicable to the combination of any type of ingredients, wet, dry, or gaseous.

Possible beverages for use herein would include high pulp orange juice having water and high pulp orange juice concentrate; medium pulp orange juice having water, high pulp concentrate, and no pulp concentrate; no pulp orange juice having water and no pulp orange juice concentrate; an orange/grapefruit blend having water, no pulp orange juice concentrate, and grapefruit concentrate; hit punch having water, grape juice concentrate, apple juice concentrate, pear juice concentrate, flavor/color additive, and citric acid; lemonade having water, lemon juice concentrate, HFCS syrup, and flavor/color additive for lemonade; light lemonade having water, lemon juice concentrate, flavor/color additive for lemonade, artificial sweeteners or blends of artificial sweeteners, citric acid, potassium citrate; and sparkling juice having carbonated water and juice concentrate. Various combinations of juice concentrates could be used as a universal Juice base. Numerous 100% juice products can be created by adding small amounts of natural flavors/colors to the universal juice base, Functional additives also can be added. These additives can be bundled into packages wherein each package includes one or more vitamins or minerals. For example, the “bones” package may contain Vitamin D and Calcium, the “anti-oxidant” package may include Vitamins C and E and zinc, and the “heart” package may contain plant sterols and B vitamins.

Other fluids or ingredients also may be added downstream of the ingredient combination chamber <b>110</b> and/or the agitator <b>120</b>. For example, a flow of carbonated water may be added about the outlet tube <b>125</b>, the consumer's cup, or elsewhere to provide a carbonated beverage. By avoiding the combination chamber <b>110</b> and the agitator <b>120</b>, the carbonated water does not promote over foaming of the beverage.

Referring again to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the beverage dispenser <b>100</b> also may include a consumer data system <b>600</b> in communication with the computerized user interface <b>150</b> and the control device <b>160</b>. The consumer data system <b>600</b> may include a communications device <b>610</b>. The communications device <b>610</b> may include a video touch screen, a video screen and keyboard, or any other type of conventional input/output device. The communications device <b>610</b> may be part of the computerized user interface <b>150</b> or a separate element. The communications device <b>610</b> may prompt a consumer to input data on various types of biometric, health, lifestyle, and/or other types of information. Based upon the consumer's input, the control device <b>160</b> may analyze the data and may suggest a beverage or beverage ingredients that may be ameliorative, beneficial, or simply amusing to the consumer in light of the data input.

Health parameters may include height, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, insulin levels, cholesterol levels, bone density, heart rate, other types of metabolic information, body mass percentages, body temperature, smoking history, pregnancy, overall medical history, etc. Lifestyle questions could include mood, intensity of workouts, etc. Other types of categories may include time of day, outside temperature, current events, fan affiliations, etc. Any type of data may be requested.

Based upon the inputted data, the communications device <b>610</b> of the consumer data system <b>600</b> may suggest a beverage with various types of vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, over the counter medicines, coloring, etc. A beverage with a specific amount of calories may be suggested. A beverage with the “bones” package, the “anti oxidant package”, the “heart” package, or many other additives may be suggested. Once a beverage and/or additives are selected, the appropriate micro-ingredients <b>190</b> or other elements may be dispensed via the pumping or metering devices <b>200</b> as described above. Consumer data also may be stored and compared to current data.

In addition to the communication device <b>610</b> as described above, the consumer data system <b>600</b> also may include one or more biometric sensors <b>620</b>. The biometric sensors <b>620</b> may include automated devices to gather the desired health data or other information. The biometric sensors <b>620</b> may include a scale, a blood pressure cuff, a breathalyzer, a blood analyzer, a hair analyzer, an EKG, wearable or non-wearable sensors, etc. Any type of monitoring device may be used herein. Any number of biometric sensors may be used together. The biometric sensors <b>620</b> also may be in communication with the control <b>160</b> as is described above.

Related applications that are filed herewith may be applicable to the disclosure herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,553, entitled “Methods and Apparatuses for Making Compositions Comprising an Acid and an Acid Degradable Component and/or Compositions Comprising a Plurality of Selectable Components”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,550, entitled “Beverage Dispensing System”; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,548, entitled “Pump System with Calibration Curve”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/276,549, entitled “Dispensing Nozzle Assembly” are incorporated herein by reference.

It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to the preferred embodiments of the present application and that numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereof.